October 24, 2021

Where is High Point Market – and What Is It?

Design enthusiasts have often heard about this extraordinary place where designers go to find the most beautiful furniture and accessories called High Point Market. But often people do not know exactly where and what it is. As an interior designer working in the Chapel Hill and Pittsboro area of North Carolina, I am lucky enough to easily attend. So…let’s explore the who, what, when, and where of High Point Market and fun design trends I recently explored.

High Point Market is organized by the High Point Market Authority in the town of High Point, NC. It is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. Recent markets have had over 12 million square feet of show space, 2000 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees. The town of High Point, NC and surrounding areas like Greensboro and Winston Salem swell during market. Exhibitors rent or own permanent spaces in buildings and rent booth spaces in buildings in the old downtown area of the town which bustle with activity.

Market (as designers call it) is held twice a year usually in the spring and fall for a week. Tens of thousands of new products are introduced to the design industry by manufacturers and distributors. And it common to see many international attendees plus fun to hear French, Chinese and Arabic spoken in one room. Attendees are interior designers, retail furniture buyers and others in the home furnishings industry. We are issued badges which let us explore the many buildings and booths. Luckily there are free shuttles to bus us throughout High Point town and Market areas which save our feet.

E.M. Soberson Volkano Collection Coffee Table

Let’s explore a few of the fun things I saw this year. This modern piece from E.M. Soberson’s Volkano collection has been on my watch list for a while and I finally got a chance to visit their showroom. I adore this mix of exotic wood and resin in this coffee table. Imagine how beautiful this would be as the centerpiece in a modern farmhouse living room.

Speaking of wood, check out the back side of this Salamat Thistle Corner Chair. I can see designing with this in an open concept living room where the back of a sofa is viewable to the rest of the room. The pieces available can be mixed and matched to create a beautiful custom sectional.

Exhibitor at Wexel Art Displays

Switching gears, lets look at this video I took of an exhibitor from Wexel Art Displays demonstrating their clear acrylic frames. I love how easy it is to change out your art or photos using these frames.

Currey and Company Liquid Gold Console Table

Next, check out this Liquid Gold Console Table by Currey and Company. This is certainly a conversation piece and would make an interesting addition to a business office setting or home foyer.

Lastly, the fabric company Fabricut has introduced a collection in conjunction with Iris Apfel, a textile artist and interior designer who worked with the White House for decades. I am very excited to get samples and incorporate many of these fabrics and trims in my own designs.

If you are inspired from any of these High Point Market trends contact me to discuss how we can incorporate them into your space.